Schools Honored for Merging Education with the Environment

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February 25, 2014

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Two West Virginia schools received top honors for their work connecting education and the environment.

Cameron Middle-High School in Marshall County and Eastwood Elementary School in Monongalia County were named West Virginia Sustainable Schools for their commitment to sustainable practices as well as integrating those practices into the curriculum and community.

Cameron Middle-High School received the Black Bear Award for High Achievement. Cameron is being recognized for proactive measures such as an extensive recycling program; a Farm to School program; and, innovative fitness and outdoor education programs.

Eastwood Elementary School received the Maple Leaf Award for Environmental and Sustainability Education. Highlights from Eastwood’s efforts include fulfilling the mission of Growing Healthy Kids in a Healthy World with a focus on curriculum, health and wellness, the arts, world languages and community connections; a recycling program which supports the Land Fill Harmonic which makes musical instruments out of recycled products for at-risk youth; and, utilization of the Responsive Classroom program, including energizer breaks throughout the day for students.

Both schools are candidates for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition, the two schools have been nominated by West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) for the United States Department of Education’s (USDE) Green Ribbon Schools program. The recognition award is part of a larger USDE effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices that are proven to result in improved student engagement, higher academic achievement and graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government wide goal of increasing energy independence and economic security. The national recognition awards will be announced in late April.

For more information, contact the WVDE Communication Office at 304-558-2699.